First Online: 30 December 2016Received: 14 October 2016Revised: 16 December 2016Accepted: 19 December 2016

Abstract

In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the etiology, risk factors and pathophysiology of focal task specific dystonia FTSD, movement disorders characterized by abnormal motor activation during the performance of specific, repetitive actions. We focus on two common FTSD, musician’s dystonia and writer’s cramp. FTSD may pose a threat to the patient’s livelihood, and improved therapeutic treatments are needed.